When Mad Cow Disease Was Discovered

When Mad Cow Disease Was Discovered ?

Mad cow disease was first identified by German neurologist Hans Gerhard Creutzfeldt in 1920 in a 23 year old woman. Shortly afterwards, Alfons Maria Jakob discovered another three cases of defects in the motor system one year later. In 1922 it was named Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is characterized by rapidly progressing dementia, depression, behavioral changes, impaired co-ordination ending in death, usually within eight months of the onset of symptoms. It is an extremely rare disorder, effecting only about one in every million population throughout the world every year. CJD affects older adults primarily in the age group of 50 and 70. CJD effects males and females in equal numbers.

There are four types of CJD: Sporadic CJD which accounts for approximately 85 percent of all cases globally is caused by infectious protein Prion. The inherited or familial CJD, which accounts for 5-10 percent of all cases of CJD, is caused by a faulty gene called prion-related protein (PRPN) that is passed down from parents to their children. The Iatrogenic CJD which accounts for small percentages of cases is acquired through a medical process such as contamination from brain surgery or corneal transplant. The variant CJD (vCJD) is a type of CJD that is passed from cattle with bovine spongiform encephalopathy to humans and other species.

Currently there is no treatment for vCJD. Researchers have tested many drugs including steroids, interferon, antiviral agents, and antibiotics, but none has shown any positive effects on humans. Treatments are only available to alleviate psychiatric symptoms such as dementia and depression. Since CJD is an incurable, fatal disease with fast progression, recovery and rehabilitation is not possible. The emphasis in treatment is laid upon comfort and moral support of the effected patients and caregiver.

More Articles :

When Mad Cow Disease Was Discovered